Son of a country outlaw, branded with the namesake of a songwriting legend, New York City via Nashville singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle rambles in the same weater-beaten cowboy boots as his old man, Steve Earle and Townes Van Zandt.Now, the prodigal son readies his third Bloodshot Records long player, Harlem River Blues - the follow-up to last year’s Midnight at the Movies. Earle’s inspiration: “I drove over the Harlem River one time and it was just the most desolate-looking thing I’d ever seen… it’s just the nastiest body of water you’ve ever seen in your life. And I guess it just kind of inspired me a little bit.”
The album burns out of the gate with the title track and eponymous single, “Harlem River Blues” – a track injected with sturdy juke-joint swagger and unmistakable life. With the Harlem River as its muse, this surefooted number kicks out a soulful, choir-backed jam with Earle’s wistful pleas for the dirty water of the Harlem: “Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown / Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound,”
Harlem River Blues is out September 14th on Bloodshot Records.
“Harlem River Blues”
Written by: Justin Townes Earle
Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound
I'm on a roll, mama, I gotta go, gotta get there while I still can
Troubled days are behind me now and I know they're gonna let me in
When you see me walkin' up the empty yard, just a-singin' and a-clappin' my hands
Tell my mama I love her, tell my father I tried, give my money to my baby to spend
'cause Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound
Good times come and they go, even a good man'll break
He'll let his troubles bury him whole even though he knows what's at stake
So I'm taking no chances, carrying over while I'm still good in His grace
I'm no fool, mama, I know the difference between tempting and choosing my fate
'cause Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound
Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound
Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound
Take Up Thy Rock 'N Roll Stethoscope and Walk,
Enjoy this single cc of JTE
MP3: Justin Townes Earle – “Harlem River Blues”
MORE PRESCRIPTIONS
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Delta Spirit’s Kerosene Blaze, “Bushwick Blues”
Cookin’ with Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band: “Sure 'Nuff 'n Yes I Do" – One Fine Cut
Sing Along with Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three: “La La Blues”
Louie and The Lovers’ High Wire Romp, "Sittin’ By Your River"
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